The revered New York Times bestselling writer makes her triumphant return with this electrifying novel of domestic suspense that marks an exciting turn in her career, a twisting, tension-filled thriller in which a hearing-impaired woman must battle her rising terror as she fights for her life.
Alexis Roberts is asleep one night when someone breaks into her home and tries to assault her. Though she manages to escape serious harm, the invasion has left her scared and shaken. The police are investigating, but Alexis has few details to share with the detective on the scene. She's hearing impaired and could not find her cochlear implants in the darkness, which left her unable to both see and hear the intruder.
Was her attacker a stranger or someone whom she knows--a person who may have once been close to her?
Flashback to a year earlier when Alexis meets the man of her dreams. Marcus is handsome, successful, polished and everything she's ever wanted. Attentive, charming, and fluent in American sign language, he's unlike any man she's ever known. Believing he is the Mr. Right who was meant to be her forever partner, Alexis says yes when he asks her to marry him. Why wouldn't she?
But once they're married, Marcus grows distant and resembles little of the charming man who swept her off her feet. Who is this stranger she's married? Determined to uncover the truth, Alexis begins to carefully unearth the secrets in her husband's life. When she makes a horrifying discovery--his first wife is missing and suspected dead--Marcus suddenly disappears without a trace.
Now, in this gigantic house in an isolated neighborhood with no family and friends nearby to help, a terrified Alexis waits for her intruder to return. She's trapped in the dream home that has become a nightmare, unsure who Marcus really is . . . and what he's capable of doing.
CONNIE BRISCOE has been a full-time published author for more than ten years. Born with a hearing impairment, Connie never allowed that to stop her from pursuing her dreams…writing. Since she left the world of editing to become a writer, Connie has hit the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.
As I started reading this book, I wasn’t sure what to think of it. We open with a woman being interviewed by the police about an attack she had just survived, and I was interested in getting to know where this was going. Unfortunately, our main character is not the most savvy person, and for the majority of the book, I was beyond annoyed with how stupid she was.
Alexis is a functional train wreck. She has a boyfriend who cheated on her, but she’s the type of girl to not leave a man until she’s found a new one. When she meets Marcus, she finally gets the nerve to break things off with Paul. Let’s just say he did not take it well - but she has Marcus now, a handsome lawyer who seems too good to be true (I mentioned how stupid Alexis is, right?).
Soon, she and Marcus are married, and the newlywed shine wears off. As these types of relationships go, Marcus soon becomes more and more controlling. Alexis has given up her job, many of her friends, and her independence by marrying this man. By the end of the book, she FINALLY gets a clue - and then we get to the attack.
The ending of this was great, and I didn’t see the big twist coming. It took awhile to get there, but the attack scene and getting to find out the identity of the attacker was the best part of the book. I’m not sure if I ever became less annoyed by Alexis, but this was a decent story that entertained me in one sitting. I’m giving it 3.5 stars, rounded up.
(Thank you to Amistad, Connie Briscoe and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be published on March 14, 2023.)
Connie Briscoe is back. I’m thrilled to see Connie Briscoe back. When she first hit the scene she was heralded as a writer-to-watch. She came out the blocks strong with two critically acclaimed and commercially successful novels. She took a snooze for a few years, dropped a couple more books, but lost her initial momentum. Oh, but now, now she is back with a propulsive edge-of-the-seat thriller, suspense novel that is vey well paced. It’s an easy engaging read with protagonist Alexis being an easy character to root for. Read the blurb for the plot(it represents the book well). This novel will no doubt return Connie Briscoe to her original place of prominence in the book world. And I for one am glad to see it, welcome back Connie Briscoe! Thanks to Amistad Press and Edelweiss for an advanced reading copy. Book will drop into stores March 14, 2023, get ready.
I spent an awful lot of time reading this one. I actually finished it with a reaction of "it's a bust."
The book starts with a bang, then tons of back story, unlikable characters, and a plot that leaves you scratching your head. Sadly, the author comes back to the beginning scene at page 262 of 271. Really?!
Lies, falsehoods, and secrets lead to paranoia, and so much more. And every character keeps too many secrets.
While the story (stories) hang together, you'll scratch your head at the damaged relationships, the lies, and so much more. Oh why did I spend a day on this one?
Thanks to the BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for the ARC to read and review. I won't be recommending this one.
You never know... ... how truly awful a book can be until you read this one! Maybe I am too stubborn for my own good but I am the kind of person that won't quit a book once they start it until the bitter end. And this book was more bitter than anything else I've ever read. It was poorly written and the main character is portrayed as being so ignorant it seems that she must comb her hair with a pipe wrench! I would definitely give this one a pass if I had it to do all over again. The best part about this book was finishing it.
You Never Know by Connie Briscoe was an average read. Nothing really happened until 80% into the book and then everything was just quickly wrapped up. I did enjoy her writing though and will read more from the author.
I was so excited to read this one! A thriller, written by Connie Briscoe?! Heck yeah. Unfortunately it fell short for me. It has a great premise, but the first part of the story was repetitive and seemed to drag. The action does pick up a little over half way through and that’s when all the fun begins! However, we seemed to reach the ending far too quickly which felt like an abrupt stop. It was unsatisfying and definitely left us with more questions than answers.
3 Stars This isn't a bad novel but it's not a mystery or thriller. This is a romance story with a bite. Mostly about abuse & control. Very heavy and uncomfortable. The author never clearly deals with or labels the abuse and seems more judgemental of the woman main characters choices than the men's. It's sexist as fuck.
When Alexis meets Marcus, she is quickly swept off her feet. He’s charming, good looking, as nice as can be, and good looking. When Marcus pops the question, Alexis says yes - who wouldn’t with a man like him?
Once they’re married, however, things take a turn for the worse. Marcus becomes distant, rude, and just not the man Alexis once knew. Determined to figure out why, she embarks on an “investigation” that leads her to alarming (and scary) discoveries.
——— I enjoyed this novel! It was the first I’d read of Briscoe’s and it didn’t disappoint. I was able to fly through it as it really sucked me in. Marcus’ character made me want to pull my hair out! He was truly awful and so mean.
It was also very interesting getting to learn about cochlear implants and being hearing impaired. This was the first time I’ve read a novel where the main character was hearing impaired and it was very informative.
Overall, this was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ book for me and I’d recommend it! While it wasn’t necessarily a thriller, it was eerie and kept me on my toes.
Thank you NetGalley and Amistad for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The premise of this book is interesting. Alexis is hearing impaired, and she falls in love with Marcus. They get married quickly, but things aren't quite right. Marcus turns from loving to controlling. Alexis starts finding out that things aren't what they seem, and her husband is keeping lots of secrets. Deadly secrets.
This isn't a bad book. However, I couldn't connect with it. It was a little predictable, I was able to figure it out before the end of the book. It does have twists, just not great ones. I give this book a solid 3.5 stars. It's an easy middle of road kind of book. If you're looking for a quick read that doesn't take everything out of you, then read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Amistad, and Connie Briacoe for this ARC.
Thank you thank you thank you for this ARC. I absolutely loved this! Alexis was so relatable and strong. I completely got her and why she was reluctant to report Paul. And Marcus omg I hated him so much. I didn't want her to lose Jeffery as a friend and I completely related to her parents when they were like "you can't marry a man you just met." The ending was perfection. Absolute perfection. I can't reveal much more but I will say that I love this book. This is disability representation done right.
I'm a HUGE fan of Connie Briscoe's books. I've read all of them and enjoyed them...until now. I don't know if it was the implausibility of the storyline, too many loose ends, too many undeveloped characters, or what...but You Never Know didn't live up to prior books. Maybe it was the time delay between this book and her last novel, but You Never Know fell flat for me. However, because I'm a Briscoe fan, and this is her first book that I rated less than satisfactory, I'm willing to give her another chance and will read future books, which I hope will be more flushed out and developed.
Like - It was less than 300 pages - Part of Part 3 did get my attention but it was too short
Dislike - The characters in the book were hard to like. Especially the main character. Felt nothing towards her and she felt very useless - A lot of loose ends - The ending to me, was horrible. Very weak - Just didn't like this read
This book held my attention from the first page! I really liked that while the plot was familiar, the author added in the hearing loss element which definitely brings a psychological thriller to another level! This story is a domestic thriller that involves lots of infidelity and lies, with the main character Alexis searching her new relationship for answers. The twist was relatively predictable to me but the strong writing made up for it. I wish it was a little more drawn out at the end and didn’t wrap up so quickly, it felt a bit rushed. All in all I really enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend to anyone into thrillers and mysteries.
Thank you Netgalley and Connie Briscoe for this advanced copy read.
The opening chapter of this starts off with a bang, however it quickly derails into Briscoe spouting off on her views. I can appreciate authors having certain opinions about the current culture and but I felt like on every page she had to remind us. After the first chapter until aboout 70% of the book, it was incredibly frustrating to read about our MC who decidedly opted into staying in an abusive relationship. I'm sorry but no woman could honestly stay with a man like Marcus, unless she was seriously just looking for a sugar daddy. I mean really? The man had an incredible short fuse, she should have left him on page 50 of the book. On top of that. her previously abusive relationship she did not press charges....girl, he tried to kill you? This bothers me. The book did get interesting from 70-90% like the storyline picked up and the mystery started to cloud so I wanted to know what was going to happen.....but then the ending....was that suppose to be real? Yeah, not buying it.
I can see Connie Briscoe has talent, but it is hidden behind her overt opinions and unrealistic characters. I will give her a second chance....."YOU NEVER KNOW". --> how about them apples!
This book follows a hearing-impaired young lady who gets involved with a dangerous man. It is full of suspense and has some great twists. The plot was top-notch and I was excited to see how it ended. Here, I was disappointed. There were many loose ends and the ending was rushed. It has potential to be a great book. I really liked Alexis. I hope some changes are made before publishing, so this becomes the amazing book it could be! Thank you to Amistad Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
Alexis is a hearing-impaired woman who meets and marries Marcus, the man of her dreams after a whirlwind romance. Surprisingly, the dreams change into nightmares. Alexis begins to question everything she knows about Marcus.
I have read books by Connie Briscoe in the past and enjoyed them. I was thrilled to see a new book by Ms. Briscoe. I was even more thrilled to be able to read the book before publication. I wanted to love this book. I wanted to like this book. I did finish reading it as I wanted the book to make sense, but I was left feeling like parts were missing. I wanted to know more about Alexis and her friend Michelle. What happened there? Michelle was so supportive, but the next thing you know, she is making moves on Marcus. It just didn't seem plausible, but "You Never Know." Alexis was a bit timid, so to see her take action to change her situation was surprising. I am not sure how her plan would have worked if she was being watched. I know you have to suspend belief when you enter the world of fiction. So, in that case, Alexis did a remarkable job getting herself out of a desperate situation.
I was provided an uncorrected e-arc by NetGalley and Amistad for an unbiased review.
Bestselling author Connie Briscoe is legend! I still remember her P.G. County book from back in the day with its rich plot featuring characters of color. Briscoe returns with a new novel of domestic suspense and a character that mirrors her own hearing impairment in You Never Know.
Alexis Roberts is asleep when someone breaks into her home and tries to assault her. She manages to escape but can offer no help to the investigation as it was dark and her cochlear implants couldn't be found. Just a year earlier, Alexis marries Mr. Right a bit too soon. She unearths that his first wife is missing and he was the main suspect. Isolated and alone, Alexis waits for the intruder to return.
I'm disappointed in You Never Know. The main character was not the brightest color in the Crayon box. Her actions made no sense and seemed almost juvenile. If someone is after you, do something and not be a sitting duck. The story picked up in pace way too late for me to care about the ending.
Happy Belated Pub Day, Connie Briscoe! You Never Know is now available.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~ LiteraryMarie
I am so tired of reading books about weak, pathetic women who can’t see a ton of red flags right in front of their eyes and make stupid excuses for the reasons people do things and justify reasons for how they are treated badly. For me, that immediately ruins the story. This is no exception.
You Never Know, is a character driven, highly suspenseful thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. After concluding and reflecting back on what I just read, I know it will take me a bit to absorb all of what just transpired. This book will give you something to think about long after finishing.
What happened to Alexis?
I bet you won't be able to figure it out and when you do, your jaw will be left on the floor.
Before I spoil it, check out this teaser!
The revered New York Times bestselling writer makes her triumphant return with this electrifying novel of domestic suspense that marks an exciting turn in her career, a twisting, tension-filled thriller in which a hearing-impaired woman must battle her rising terror as she fights for her life.
Alexis Roberts is asleep one night when someone breaks into her home and tries to assault her. Though she manages to escape serious harm, the invasion has left her scared and shaken. The police are investigating, but Alexis has few details to share with the detective on the scene. She’s hearing impaired and could not find her cochlear implants in the darkness, which left her unable to both see and hear the intruder.
Was her attacker a stranger or someone whom she knows—a person who may have once been close to her?
Flashback to a year earlier when Alexis meets the man of her dreams. Marcus is handsome, successful, polished and everything she’s ever wanted. Attentive, charming, and fluent in American sign language, he’s unlike any man she’s ever known. Believing he is the Mr. Right who was meant to be her forever partner, Alexis says yes when he asks her to marry him. Why wouldn’t she?
But once they’re married, Marcus grows distant and resembles little of the charming man who swept her off her feet. Who is this stranger she’s married? Determined to uncover the truth, Alexis begins to carefully unearth the secrets in her husband’s life. When she makes a horrifying discovery—his first wife is missing and suspected dead—Marcus suddenly disappears without a trace.
Now, in this gigantic house in an isolated neighborhood with no family and friends nearby to help, a terrified Alexis waits for her intruder to return. She’s trapped in the dream home that has become a nightmare, unsure who Marcus really is . . . and what he’s capable of doing.
Featuring: Home Invasion, DMV, Columbia, Maryland, Auditory Issues, Dual Timelines, Girlfriends, Men Troubles, Author MC, Ages & Date Discrepancies
Rating as a movie: R for adult content, including violence
Songs for the soundtrack: "Mr. Wrong" by Mary J. Blige, "Charlene" by Anthony Hamilton, "For You" by Kenny Lattimore, "If I Could" by Regina Belle
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
My thoughts: 📱15% 1:21:12 Ch. 4 - It's not fast or slow, just chugging along, and the story was a bit confusing for the first few chapters after the prologue, the most exciting part so far but still not earth-shattering. I had to read the synopsis, which probably spoiled half the book, so it's going to seem even slower. 📱29% 2:35:43 Ch. 8 - MC is on my nerves; she's into bad decisions and long drawn-out backstories. I'm over it.
I had issues with this cover, that house is practically sitting on the water. So this was pretty much a Lifetime movie. I'm not mad at it, the MC was oblivious and passive which made the plot a bit predictable. If I was watching this movie I would have been screaming at the screen, shaking my head, and pointing out the shady characters. Listening to this audiobook wasn't much different, I couldn't believe some of her actions, and I was shaking my head at the prologue. I can totally see people loving this story but for me, it was just better than okay, which isn't bad for domestic suspense. I will read more by this author.
Recommend to others?: Sure. If you like your crazy to be subtle this may be your tree.
This book was just ok for me. It tells a story of a hearing impaired women and a shocking home invasion. The book chronicles the time leading to the invasion and has a few very sketchy viable suspects. I gave this 3 stars but honestly it was more of a 2 but I rounded up. The problems for me were many. One being that none of the characters are likable even in the least. Another for me was that the characters were disjointed with each other. They moved in and out of each others lives in ways that made no real since. The only reason for the 3 from me was there was a twist that surprised me in the end that I never saw coming. This book is however a fast easy read.
I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this. I’ve never heard of the author before and thought the premise sounded interesting. However, the story itself had so much potential and there were some well written parts. However, it fell so flat and boring for me. The main character was aggravating and so annoying. She acted as though she was in her early twenties but was 37.
Overall, each character just had a billion red flags and lots of lies, paranoia and terrible friendships involved with a weird and quick ending.
I was so disappointed with this one! Starts out great but the bulk of the story is just unbelievable. The “bad guy” husband is so obviously horrible throughout the entire book. It becomes impossible to even root for the main character; she puts up and excuses such awful behavior time and time again—-and that basically the whole story! The end is the “twist,” but it comes late and is not even all that compelling. Sorely disappointed with this one. Sadly it wasn’t even well written. The best part about this book is that it was a quick read and was over the same day I started it.
Apparently a "Domestic Suspense" is painfully watching a woman hop from abusive relationship to abusive relationship. Love the representation and hopefully this book makes someone feel seen or helps someone realize the situation they're in, but it's a story I've heard 100 times
I was into the plot but felt so much frustration with the main character’s ignorance. I also felt the ending was abrupt and disappointing given the whole lead up.